FULLER’S PICTURES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1433, 7 August 1915, Page 3

FULLER’S PICTURES.

“THE ORDEAL” OR “THE " FRENCH PATRIOT,” Od Monday and Tuesday arrangements have been made for the screening of what is described by English and American critics as “the greatest poem-drama ever achieved,” “The Ordeal,” or “The French Patriot.” It is a dramatisation of E. Nesblt’s poem, “The Ballad of Splendid Silence,” a vivid and passionate denunciation of an actual occurrence. No one can read this poem without a feeling of pity and horror; it tears the mask from the Germans and their culture. Jean Renyi stands out as a living, breathing personality, pictured as he goes through the fearful ordeal. It is a tremendous poem to read, recommend and read again. At a private screening of this great picture in America, it was insisted that the title, “The French Patriot,” be changed in order to avoid complications with the German residents. “The Ordeal” was then chosen to replace the original name. It was first publicly shown at Hammerstein's Opera House, New York. German America instantly called for its suppression and such pressure was brought to bear that the Commissioner of Licenses requested The Life Photo Company to withdraw it. A law suit followed and the courts decreed that there was no reason lor its withdrawal and awarded substantial damages against the Commissioner, In every State of America, the same methods are adopted to prevent the picture being shown. Jean Renyi is in love with Helene, a beautiful girl of his neighbourhood. Pierre, a hunchback, becomes jealous of Jean. War is declared and the young men of Jean’s town commehce enlisting in the cause, while Helene urges Jean to remain with her and he determines not to enlist. ’ Jean’s refusal stamps him as a coward and the news of his son s refusal to enlist is brought by Pierre to Jean’s lather who takes it much to heart. Jean goes to sleep and sees a vision, ot his father, mother and sister praying tor him and his country’s success, and Helene anxiously waiting his return. He also goes through some stirring incidents which holds one deeply interested and finally he recovers when he realises that the horrible events depicted were only a dream.